Welcome to our 40th consecutive appearance at the
Maple Leaf Parade!

Over the years, some amazing stories and memories have come together, all because some folks had the foresight to pull together a Band made up of former Marching Band members from UWL for 4 decades now. UWL-Rah!

The iconic images that come to mind include but are not limited to the Old Style beer sponsorship in year one and the bedsheet that became our “banner” with stick-on letters from Derse Sign Company in Milwaukee for those first years. Having to borrow drums and low brass from UWL to make it work, almost took us off the tracks, when traffic and closed roads almost kept the bus from delivering same to members who sang their parts the first couple blocks during the parade in 1985. 

That said, the most important component of this Alumni Band are the generations of musicians who have followed our original footsteps and also those groups who joined in the fun throughout or later in our history (looking at YOU Alumni Poms and Flags!). Without a continuing interest from new generations and current SEMB members, none of this would be sustainable.  Along the way, we collected dollars to support our operation and turned those efforts into a Music Scholarship. We’re so proud of our Scholarship donations over the decades, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars being funneled to UWL attendees chasing the dream of a career or high interest in Music, the universal language. It is Band Culture that brought this together back in 84 and it is Band Culture that keeps this a moving experience for all participants 40 years later. Here are the details you’ll need for yet another fabulous Band Family reunion in La Crosse for Oktoberfest. 40 of 63 Fests have featured the Alumni Band and that’s amazing! Regardless of what year you graduated, we’re so pleased you’re here!

We have been working this year on a special project this year to commemorate our 40th. with designs by own very own Andy Hill! We have designed a limited-edition swag bag of commemorative gifts for all participants. Those who show for Friday’s rehearsal are given first opportunity to receive and enjoy these logo bags that include everything from stickers for your beer fridge or laptop to hat pins for your fest hat. Any bags left over  (no guarantees)will be made available on Saturday AM. A real incentive to show for rehearsal. We are asking anyone who can afford it, to donate $10 for these bags, which will help sustain our Scholarship and Operating Funds. 

On Friday, please update our database so we can stay connected and anyone who needs replacement shirts, they’ll be available at a small cost. No membership fees in this Alumni organization, as we prefer to give the choice to members to be generous, instead.

FRIDAY NIGHT REHEARSAL Sept 27

NEW LOCATION!!!!-due to some work occurring at Cleary Center, we have moved the Rehearsal and meeting update to the main Shelter at Weigent Park at 314 15th St La Crosse, WI 54601. It’s a beautiful building added in 2023. It’ll be a great space for us. Here’s the Schedule:

• 5:45p Instrument Distribution at the trailer
• 6:00p Percussion Sectional/Social time
• 6:30p Announcements/Meeting/Swag Bag Distribution!
• 7:00p Rehearsal Run thru with Poms/Flags
• 7:45-9:00p Appearance by the UWL SEMB Drumline and Social Time

SATURDAY MAPLE LEAF 40.0

• Doors at Pogreba open at 8am again for breakfast beverages and social time pre-parade. 
• LOCATION 1232 Avon St La Crosse, WI  54602
• IF YOU NEED A DRUM OR ANY LOW BRASS, REACH OUT EARLY TO ENSURE YOU GET OUTFITTED.
• Trailer will be open from 8:30-9:30a and that will be it. IF you’re running late, ask one of your Band Family for help. Donations to instrument repair are welcome too. We regularly replace drum heads and rims and maintain low brass too. 
• 10am -Parade kickoff and photo op with the Alumni Band and SEMB. We always perform 2001/Fanfare together as a cool opportunity to play together and get a united pic!
• Parade position-we remain near the front, not far behind the Oktoberfest Family floats as we have the last several years.

 
SATURDAY POST PARADE PARTY

• Mark Parker’s Band featuring the Alumni Horn line will perform at Fat Head Steve’s at 324 Jay St in the outdoor beer garden again this year. Alumni get in free!
• Approx 2:00pm start time for the Band and I’m sure more details will follow from Mark. 

We look forward to seeing lots of members coming into La Crosse to celebrate 40 years of music and fun with us. It’s been a great ride so far and it looks like we have a great ride in front of us as well.

Prost, Alumni!
 

2024 Alumni Band Announcements

Brass and Percussion Loaners:

Anyone needing brass please email Kris, anyone needing percussion please email Jeff or Eric. Please warn us at least 3 days prior to the parade, we load the trailer on Wednesday night. If you don't put in your loan request by Wednesday you probably will not have an instrument. Thank you.

Music Rotation:

(to be practiced Friday night): All music is located here - please print your own if you need it. 
- Traditional Cadence
- Beer Barrel, chant, On Wisconsin
- Junque Cadence
- Drums & Horse
- Traditional Cadence
- In Heaven there is no Beer
- Junque Cadence
- Sweet Caroline (click for music)

We hope you can join us! UW-L RAH!